From brews to bulbs

The Second Annual Roscoe Village Pub Crawl is a great way to explore the 'hood while sipping a cold one with friends. Festivities begin at Beat Kitchen (2100 W. Belmont Ave. 773-281-4444) and move to Village Tap (2055 W. Roscoe St. 773-883-0817), Mulligan's Public House (2000 W. Roscoe St. 773-549-4225), Riverview Tavern (1958 W. Roscoe St. 773-248-9523) and Four Trey's (3333 N. Damen Ave. 773-549-8845). Pay $10 at the first door and get a wristband and T-shirt. Drink specials include $2 beers and $2-$3 cocktails. 3-9 p.m. 630-880-1455.

Pinchers aplenty

Louisiana may be the crawfish capital of the world, but once a year you'll find a half-ton of the crustaceous critters infesting the corner of Webster and Sheffield. McGee's 15th Annual Crawfish Boil offers plenty of red beans and rice, jambalaya and gumbo to go with these ersatz lobsters. Such events are called headsuckers' balls in N'Awlins because those in the know pinch off the head and then suck the seasoning from it before extracting the succulent meat from the body. Also: live Zydeco music from Gumbohead at 2 p.m. and rockers Mini Reubens at 8 p.m. Noon-3 a.m. Saturday. $20 950 W. Webster Ave. 773-868-8073.

Petals to the metal!

Tulips may be the quintessential traditional spring flower, but we promise that "The Alchemy of Tulips," a multimedia-performance art combo, is anything but. It's a trippy spectacle based on the Tulipmania frenzy that swept 17th Century Holland in which the bulbs became red-hot commodities, inspiring all sorts of lunacy. And speaking of extreme behavior, expect to see plenty of that in this production in which writer-dancer-star Joseph Ravens even turns himself into a bright orange blossom. An array of "technology artists" assist Ravens in the fast-paced, color-saturated production that closes this weekend. 7:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat. $15. Storefront Theater, 66 E. Randolph St. 312-742-8497.

Gump 'n' grind

If memory serves, Gary Sinise's Oscar-nominated Lt. Dan character in "Forest Gump" was known for his drinkin', not his bass playin'. But we're not going to be nitpicks, especially since Sinise's appearance with his Lt. Dan Band at Joe's Bar is a benefit for the National Vietnam Veteran's Art Museum. Stop by this sports bar on Sunday and catch the 11-piece rock group fronted by Sinise on bass. 8 p.m. Sunday. $10. Joe's Bar, 940 W. Weed St. 312-337-3486.

Shop 'til you drop

Wicker Park's boutiques, salons and bars are throwing open their doors to host fashion shows, DJs, free cocktails and sales during the first Milwaukee Avenue Block Party. Stop by trendy Sole Nail Lounge for spa specials, music, complimentary wine and champagne and a fashion show at 7 p.m. Softcore, the trendy clothing store that hawks brands like Killah and Adidas Originals, is hosting DJs, a barbecue, free cocktails and sales. Upscale tequila lounge Salud offers $6 margaritas and a Mexican brunch. Femme, Hot Pink and more stores and restaurants in the 1300 to 1500 blocks of Milwaukee Avenue also are taking part. Noon-9 p.m. Saturday. 773-486-7653.